top of page

What is Surrogate Partner Therapy?

 

Surrogate Partner Therapy is a practice that was introduced by Masters and Johnson in 1970. In this therapy, a client, a licensed therapist, and a surrogate partner work together towards a therapeutic goal related to sexuality. The surrogate partner's role on this team is to serve as an educator, mirror, and ally. 

 

Surrogate Partner Therapy is a hands-on process creating a bridge between talk and touch. Through structured exercises, the surrogate assists the client in building skills in the areas of physical and emotional intimacy. This is accomplished through exercises in communication, relaxation, sensual and sexual touching, and social skills training.

 

What might Surrogate Partner Therapy include?

 

A large portion of the time is spent in non-sexual, experiential body exercises. The client and surrogate partner work together to help the client be more comfortable and accepting of sensory awareness and touch. Surrogate Partner Therapy may include the following:

 

  •   Sensate Focus

  •   Sexuality Education

  •   Body Image Exercises

  •   Intimacy Exercises (not necessarily sexual)

  •   Social Skills Training

  •   Relaxation Exercises

  •   Sensual and Sexual Touching

Open the door to learning more...

  • about yourself

  • about communication

  • about emotional and physical intimacy.

 

© 2023 Mark Shattuck

mark@surrogatepartner.org

bottom of page